Chapter Forty-Eight: Scandal

The Huo family mansion basked in the gentle rays of the early morning sun, its walls bearing the marks of a century’s refinement, ever advancing toward greater heights and stability. Servants moved in and out of the main residence in an orderly fashion, their steps light, their manners impeccable. Huo Lingtian, dressed in casual attire, descended the floating staircase with the elegance of a nobleman, resembling a languid lion surveying his domain. His hair, black and resolute, stood upright; fresh from his morning shower, crystalline droplets traced down his bronze skin, soaking the fabric at his chest.

The house staff set the table, the centerpiece replaced with fragrant tulips. With a wave of his hand, Huo Lingtian commanded, “Change it to a Chinese breakfast.” After three months spent with Qing, his tastes in food, style, and dress all began to shift toward hers. He had grown weary of opulent and elegant decorations, embracing understated comfort as his new preference. Where once he had only Western breakfasts of milk and toast, he now favored soy milk and steamed buns—the simple fare of the East. Luxury was no longer his sole pursuit; what mattered was peace of mind, and above all, sharing his accumulated wealth with someone who cared for him as much as he cared for them.

Huo Lingtian resided in a garden villa within the Huo estate, a place of elegance and tranquility, ideal for nurturing one’s years. Curiously, though the head of the Huo family should have been the busiest and occupied the most central location, he instead enjoyed a serene life, comfortable yet lacking satisfaction of the soul. If only he could marry that woman of unparalleled beauty, hold her close, and spend each day together through the cycles of blooming and fading flowers—then life would be without regrets.

But before this fleeting dream could be realized, the morning newspaper placed in the corner shattered the calm, inciting the wrath of the man who dominated all of City X. With a sharp ‘crack!’ an exquisite porcelain cup was swept to the floor, shattering to pieces. Huo Lingtian’s face darkened as he read the bold headline, his expression growing ever more grim, and beneath his jet-black eyes, a tempest of fury brewed.

“Spread the word—this morning paper is to be destroyed within the estate. If the old man sees any of the content, then damn it, whoever is responsible can get out!” His tone was icy, and those waiting nearby were terrified. “Also, I don’t like people who talk too much.” The quiet warning was more than enough; the older servants knew well how formidable their young master could be.

Action swept through the estate, successfully keeping the news from reaching the main house. Huo Lingtian had originally planned to spend a few days at the family home, accompanying the patriarch, but someone dared to challenge the Huo family’s status, treating his words as mere wind. The dignity of the Huo clan had not been tested in a long time.

Huo Lingtian drove away, leaving the inner residence behind. He dialed Qing’s phone, but only busy signals greeted him, the situation clearly dire.

“Damn it!” He struck the steering wheel fiercely, changing direction from his original route to the film set.

The blue-tooth earpiece hung from his ear, his voice low but seething with anger. “Xing Hao, you’ll be marked for this incident. Go to the disciplinary hall and accept your punishment later. Dingsheng Entertainment must suppress today’s news—if you can’t, buy up every edition and cut off distribution. I don’t want the situation to escalate any further!”

“Master Huo, this was my oversight. Rest assured, the entertainment company will give you a proper explanation!” Xing Hao, usually calm and refined, was now resolute. This wasn’t just a challenge to the Huo family’s authority; more importantly, it had harmed the person Huo cared for most. Those who stirred up trouble would not escape Huo’s wrath, no matter how many deaths it took.

Huo Lingtian arrived at the Xiangshan Villa on Wenshui Road. The location was prime, in a wealthy district, shielded from nosy reporters and gossipmongers. Moreover, Xiangshan Villa was in the suburbs—Qing’s private life had always been discreet, and thus unexposed.

He saw her in the garden, swinging gently, bathed in the morning light, dressed in flowing white like an immortal. All his agitation was soothed. So serene and tranquil, her elegance and beauty intertwined. He could never fathom why those people would use the vilest words to wound his treasure; he only knew no one could hurt her. If gods stood in his way, he’d slay them; if demons opposed him, he’d destroy them.

He walked over to Qing, wrapping his arms around her slender yet resilient frame, letting his weight rest upon her. Though it was she who was wounded, he felt exhausted, fearful, and anxious, all his drive drained, leaving only a hollow, boneless shell.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…” Huo Lingtian repeated, “I failed to protect you…”

“Huo Lingtian…” Her voice was calm and piercing, strong yet restrained. “You think I’m your mistress, kept by you, seducing men for status—a filthy, despicable woman.” Her words were so light, they ached in his heart.

“Anyone who thinks that way, I’ll kill them!” His voice, laced with violence, burst from his bitter throat. “My Qing is proud—she would never stoop to such disgrace. She wants fairness; her strength and perseverance deserve to be remembered by the world. She yearns for freedom, to soar in the entertainment industry and radiate at her peak. She is clever but not cunning, kind yet unwavering. It’s I, Huo Lingtian, who gained the greatest fortune. Those who do not understand Qing know nothing of her attentiveness, her gentleness, her unique kindness.”

Their eyes met, everything unspoken, and no one knew Qing better than Huo Lingtian. Every word was carved deep into his heart, heavy but solid. Suddenly, that exquisite face broke into a smile, mischievous and fox-like, her eyes shining with the brilliance born only from hardship and experience, now blooming more vibrantly than ever.

“So what are you worried about? The innocent need not fear; our conscience is clear.”

Huo Lingtian pinched her nose affectionately, full of indulgence and tenderness. Yet behind that gentle facade was a fortress built with blood and strength, guarding his singular softness.

Rest assured, anyone who dared bully a member of the Huo clan would not escape his retribution!